Southampton reportedly approach Roberto Martinez

Southampton have reportedly made an approach to appoint Belgium manager Roberto Martinez as their new boss.

According to a report in today’s newspaper version of the Mirror, as covered in Sky Sports’ Paper Talk section, Saints have sounded out the Spaniard over the possibility of taking the reins at the club.

Southampton sacked Claude Puel on Wednesday evening and a range of different candidates have been linked with replacing him.

The main two managers that have emerged as front-runners for the vacant post are Mauricio Pellegrino, formerly of Alaves, and Frank de Boer, formerly of Inter Milan.

Martinez was relieved of his duties at Everton after enduring a simply below par season at the club, with the Goodison Park faithful growing increasingly frustrated with his methods and decision-making.

The 43-year-old has since taken up the Belgium job and has done as much as has been expected of him, without necessarily excelling.

Martinez has experience of the Premier League but would certainly be a shock appointment for Saints.